The Motherlode Spring 2024: Women at the Helm

As young women, we were constantly being told that we could and should have it all. Early on, I decided that while I wanted that illusive “all,” I gave myself permission to achieve my goals on my timeline and took the pressure off myself to “have it all” at the same time. I prioritized raising my children above all things but needed and wanted to build a professional life along the way.

Since divorce law changed in October 2023, I have launched the Collaborative Divorce Package. It’s a kind of glorified mediation for couples who are divorcing but doing so collaboratively and together. I believe we will see more collaboration between divorcing couples given the costs associated with divorce and I wanted to create a method for couples finding themselves in this position.

Trust your inner voice and please stop allowing others to dictate who you are and what you should be doing. Your voice does matter and believe it or not, there are some amazing women who will learn and grow because of the wisdom of your experiences.

- Mary Spencer President & CEO, Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County

- Valerie E. Anias, Esq. Owner/Founder, A Team Family Law, LLC

- Dr. Barbara Palmer, PhD President and CEO, Kingdom Kare Inc.

I have always believed there is no single more important issue in shaping our future as a community and as a society than education. More than that, I believe that a functioning democracy cannot survive and thrive without a strong public education system. Deciding to run for office was truly a leap, and it was terrifying, but it felt like the right thing to do, and the right moment to do it. “ - Joanna Bache Tobin Board Member, Anne Arundel County Board of Education, District 6

I opened my bookstore and learning center because no one else was doing it!

My decision to run to retain my seat on The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County is twofold – prevent censorship and extremist policies and implement the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future with fidelity. Book bans, whitewashing curriculum, censoring speech, and omission of historical facts have no place in Anne Arundel County Public Schools.... My goal is to ensure that every child is set up to pursue the path of their choosing after graduation.

- Melody Wukitch Owner, Park Books

- Dana Schallheim

Board Member, Anne Arundel County Board of Education, District 5

SPRING 2024 | 63

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